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Northern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda copei) — Cyprinidae

Northern leatherside chub

Lepidomeda copei
Family: Cyprinidae

The Northern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda copei) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The northern leatherside chub is a small minnow (Leuciscidae) from cool streams and rivers of the Great Basin and Snake River in the western United States. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a leathery sheen and, in the breeding season, red-orange tones at the fin bases. As an omnivore it lives in clear, flowing water and eats insects, small crustaceans and plant material. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Northern leatherside chub?

The Northern leatherside chub has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Northern leatherside chub live?

The Northern leatherside chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Northern leatherside chub get?

The Northern leatherside chub grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.

Is the Northern leatherside chub dangerous to humans?

No, the Northern leatherside chub is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Copes leerzijde sourced
English name
Northern leatherside chub sourced
Scientific name
Lepidomeda copei
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Northern leatherside chub verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Average length (cm)
8.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Lepidomeda

More from the family Cyprinidae

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